Emergency services at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) were suspended on Wednesday after a clash erupted between Dhaka University (DU) students and hospital doctors.
Despite the presence of additional police outside the main gate, doctors remained inside, while students gathered outside, chanting slogans.
The confrontation reportedly began when Sanim, a 2023–24 botany student from DU’s Amar Ekushey Hall, returned to the hospital after being unable to obtain the prescribed medicine from nearby pharmacies.
He requested a change in the prescription, which, according to DU students, led to an altercation with doctors.
“When we returned to follow up, 10-12 doctors collectively attacked us,” said Mohammad Tanzim, a student of Shahidullah Hall, 2023–24 batch.
Hospital doctors, however, claimed that the DU students were the first to attack. “About 15–20 DU students assaulted four of our doctors in the emergency department,” said Noman, a student from DMCH’s K-79 batch.
The situation escalated, with patients unable to access care. Relatives of patients, including Azizur Rahman from Jajira in Shariatpur, reported long delays and were forced to seek treatment at other hospitals.
A young girl with multiple bandages and her family were initially denied entry at the side gate, before being allowed in after repeated requests.
To contain the situation, DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed met with DMCH Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman to discuss the incident.
“We have learned that our students were attacked. Discussions are underway, and further actions will be announced soon,” Saifuddin Ahmed said.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between medical staff and student groups at one of the country’s busiest hospitals, disrupting critical emergency services and affecting patient care.
